Neurological Society Highlights Emerging Evidence of Vaccine Benefits, Including Potential Dementia Protection & Cancer treatment Enhancement
Berlin, Germany – New research presented at the German Society for Neurology (DGN) congress reveals growing evidence supporting the broad health benefits of vaccination, extending beyond customary infection prevention to include potential protection against neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and even enhancing cancer immunotherapy. These findings, shared today, underscore the evolving understanding of vaccine impact and their role in bolstering overall public health.
The DGN, representing over 13,000 neurologists, emphasized recent studies demonstrating a causal link between herpes zoster vaccination and a reduced incidence of dementia. A medRxiv preprint by Eyting et al.[5] published May 25, 2023, and updated in Nature May 2025 [doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08800-x], provides evidence suggesting vaccination against shingles may prevent a proportion of dementia cases. Simultaneously, research published in Nature on October 22, 2025 [doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09655-y] indicates that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines can sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint blockade, perhaps improving cancer treatment outcomes.
These discoveries build upon established knowledge of vaccine efficacy in preventing infectious diseases and highlight the complex interplay between the immune system and long-term health. While vaccination, like any medical intervention, carries potential complications, the DGN stresses the importance of informed decision-making based on the latest scientific evidence. The society actively promotes research and education to ensure optimal neurological healthcare in Germany.
Founded in 1907 and based in Berlin, the DGN serves as a key scientific and medical resource, engaging in health policy discussions and supporting the advancement of neurological science. Further information about the DGN congress and its presentations is available at https://www.dgn.org/dgn-kongress.
Contact:
Dr. Bettina Albers
Head of the DGN press office
Tel.: +49(0)174 2165629
Email: presse@dgn.org
References:
[5] Eyting M, Xie M, heß S, Geldsetzer P.Causal evidence that herpes zoster vaccination prevents a proportion of dementia cases. medRxiv [Preprint]. 2023 May 25:2023.05.23.23290253. doi: 10.1101/2023.05.23.23290253. Update in: Nature. 2025 May;641(8062):438-446. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08800-x.
[6] Grippin AJ, Marconi C, Copling S et al.SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines sensitize tumours to immune checkpoint blockade. Nature. 2025 Oct 22. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09655-y.
